There you are, finally after months or possibly years of preparation, on your way to the airport to fly away to an exciting city that will play host to a major or national coin convention.  Perhaps you are a collector who has spent a lifetime putting together a truly remarkable collection of coins that have been in the family for years or a collection that you have worked on since you were a child.  You plan to finally shop the “bourse” to add those last few “tough” coins, or perhaps you’re traveling to get two of three offers prior to selling your prized collection, in order to pursue other collecting interests.  It is possible that you have prepared a coin exhibit that has taken years to assemble, by having carefully and painstakingly purchased only examples of coins that truly represent the exhibits purpose for a serious national competition.  Or you may be one of hundreds of coin dealers, who are required to travel with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of coin inventory, more times a year than you want to think about.   

In all these scenarios, the individuals involved will have worked countless hours preparing their materials to present them in the most favorable light…yet; few will spend even a fraction of the time spent in preparation of this enormous investment, to address even the basic security aspects to their trip.  

Thieves have been successful in stealing coins or jewelry on the way to the airport in cabs and hotel shuttle buses.  Thieves have been successful at rental car counters, car pick-up points and car drop-off points. Thieves have been successful at airport curbsides, ticket counters, security checkpoints, inside secure areas, inside airport restrooms, luggage carrousels…and yes, even on board the aircraft.  

The fact of the matter is that the moment you leave your home or office, you are vulnerable to theft, and even more so on your return trip.  It would be naive for someone to think that by reading this article, you would be impervious to such a crime, but perhaps, just perhaps, it will prevent you from being an easy “mark” or target.   

Since I first wrote on security matters over two years ago, I have been sent incident reports of numerous thefts.  It concerns me that I continually receive these theft reports that a simple prevention step or procedure I have previously written about could have prevented the crime.  I sometimes fear the thieves read my security articles more carefully than do collectors or dealers.  Am I doing a service or disservice to numismatic community by writing about security matters? 

When a criminal robs a bank they can be assured of five things happening: 

1.     The overall take will be less than $10,000.

2.     The money they get will be marked and traceable.

3.     There will be a picture of the crime, with them in it, and verified by a host of bank tellers and customers.

4.     The crime will be vigorously investigated by local and Federal law enforcement.

5.     When caught, the criminal will likely serve time in federal prison. 

Whereas; in comparison, if the crime is perpetuated against a coin dealer or collector, the comparison of the five things is quite different: 

1.     The average coin dealer will travel with a minimum of $50,000 inventory, and many dealers may have in excess of $500,000.  Collections and exhibits can sometimes be priceless.

2.     The numismatic inventory will be hard to trace, and is seldom marked or recorded to help convict a criminal.

3.     There will be no photograph of the crime, and likely not even a witness.

4.     Not only will law enforcement be reluctant and slow to investigate the crime, but they will seldom have any training in numismatic crimes, and worse, they may even suspect the dealer has overstating the values of the inventory to defraud the insurance carrier.  The fact is that most dealers are either not insured or drastically under-insured.  Additionally, most law enforcement investigators find it hard to believe the amount of money involved.  I do know a few law enforcement officers that are very knowledgeable in assisting helping other law enforcement officers solve a numismatic crime.  Two that stand out are Detective Doug Davis in Arlington, Texas and Sheriff John Anderson, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

5.     If the criminal is apprehended, it is usually by the majority of the investigation being conducted by a dealer or collector and their persistence by refusing to be a statistical victim.  After countless hours, trips to the jurisdiction of the local court where the crime occurred, wasted trips on defense attorney delay tactics, the criminal will be given a slap on the wrist with little or no jail time.  

The age-old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could never be truer than with security.  The easiest way to prevent crime is to avoid it by not giving criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes against you.  

Security risks can never be eliminated, but risks can be managed to a tolerable level.  Vigilance must always be maintained, as security is a constant.   Constantly practice “what if” scenarios.  You need to discuss your security thoughts and ideas with others, especially those whom you travel with.  I like most others have made the mistake of telling my wife when she is traveling with me to “watch my coins” while I am in the restroom, getting food or making a phone call.  Like any dutiful person would do, she watches my coins without my giving any further instructions to her on what she is to do in the event of a theft!   Is she to scream, wrestle with the thief, give chase or simply do as I have instructed her to “watch my coins”.   If this is the case then her reply after a theft should be… “I watched your coins, while someone stole them”.  What if the thief is armed?  What if there is a distraction?  What if there is more than one thief?  What if we are in a rental car or in a hotel or airport shuttle van?  Without proper instructions as to what she is to do in various theft scenarios, I may well have put her personal safety at risk by asking her to “watch my coins”.  

Take a few minutes to write out a brief security plan of your own travel for the trip.  Be alert and aware of your surroundings.  This in itself can be an excellent defense, as criminals avoid vigilant persons.  My recommendations and suggestions can be useful to collectors and dealers only if they continually practice and apply them to their own situations. 

Security is a personal responsibility.  Your security is not the responsibility of the police, politicians or government.  They do not have the means or intention to protect every citizen.  Unless you are willing to cast your fate and life, to the wind, your first line of security is you.   

As a review, most security can be divided, and developed into four parts: operational security, perimeter security, external security and interior security. 

Operational security would be how you operate or referred to as "your mode of operation” You need to ask yourself; “What kind of target am I presenting?"  Perimeter security is considered in the immediate area near the target...you, and your valuables.  As an example, while you are traveling, the area that you can physically observe in all four directions would be considered the perimeter. External security is considered the outside shell or walls of your car, taxi, shuttle or airplane. Internal security would be inside the aircraft or vehicle, or anywhere you can physically touch your coins.  Your objective should be to try to think in ways which you can improve and protect each of these four areas.

Operational Security: 

Plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time so you can be meticulous as to your own security.  That will ensure you extra time so you are not tense, and lose concentration on your security plan.  The extra hour may be the best investment you will ever make if it helps to prevent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of collectibles from being stolen.  After the air tragedies of September 11^th, two or three hours may be needed.  Again, if possible, travel with a partner.  Discuss your security procedures before leaving and not in public.  Try to travel with only one checked bag and only one that can be carried on board with you containing your coins.  This is difficult for some, but do you really need to take two carry on cases, weighing so much that the Jet-Way hydraulics readjust when you enter?  You may not have everything that you would like to take, but you can still take plenty of numismatic materials to have a wonderful convention.  While I recommend loading your case as heavy as possible while driving, flying requires a slightly different tactic. Most airline carriers restrict carry on luggage to 50 lbs.  So if you are use to loading your case with 80 lbs or 90 lbs. it is possible you could be denied boarding.   

Insurance is an excellent idea for both collectors and dealers.  The normal costs are approximately 1% a year.  For professional collectors and dealers, this cost is a deductible expense.  Most policies have a number of restrictions and exceptions including coins left in unattended vehicles.  Some homeowners’ policies will cover small coin theft, but many have exclusion clauses.  Be sure to read your insurance policy carefully, as one policy I reviewed had so many claim restrictions that practically stated that unless the theft was by an armed robber, carrying a gun that you could identify, and were positive the gun was loaded, you were not covered.  Some dealers have unfortunately found that anytime coins are left unattended, even at a show, they may not be covered.  Also remember that many claims are not paid without legal action against the Insurance Company.  

At major coin shows, larger firms sometimes use armored transport for inventories and collections.  At some, professional numismatists use US Postal Service (USPS) registered mail or a privately insured carrier to reduce the risk of loss when sending coins. Be sure to keep in mind that the Postal service has a maximum dollar amount for each registered piece of mail of $25,000.  This may require sending multiple packages.  Never send valuables via certified mail.  There is no recovery process on certified mail should it be lost.  If feasible, consider the above options, even if you use these services only occasionally.  It may be worth the extra effort and expense to explore the logistics of them.  

Perimeter Security: 

Organized groups of thieves have been known to operate in many major airports.  Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Houston have been reported as having some of the highest airport crime rates.  Perhaps part is due to the large volume of people that pass through them on a daily basis.     

You need to be especially alert at airport x-ray security checkpoints because of their potential risk to valuables.  If possible, let your traveling companion go through the scanner and wait on the other side to retrieve the carry on luggage.  You in turn should wait to go through the checkpoint until after your case has cleared the x-ray machine.  Professional thieves like to step in front of you, with enough metal to set the alarm off, while an accomplice will steal your case from either side of the machine.  In addition, security personnel running the x-ray scanners have a habit of reversing the conveyer belt when something is not clearly identifiable such as coins or jewelry, giving a thief an easy target by reaching in the entrance opening of the scanner and grabbing your case, while you are on the other side waiting for your bag to appear.   

Nearly always, you will be asked what the contents are in your case or to open it for inspection.  I have found that the best way to keep your case contents confidential as to what you are carrying, is to present a 3” x 4” card with your business card on one side, with the reverse side up showing the following in large type; “I am a courier carrying rare coins, gold and jewelry—if necessary, I may need to request a private inspection as allowed by FAA regulation number #108.9.”  Have the card laminated in plastic. Be friendly, but firm.  You certainly have the right to ask for a private inspection, but the airline is not required to give you one.  Be advised that an airline can refuse passage to anyone, with exception of a FAA Federal Sky Marshall.  I would recommend that if you get an inexperienced security inspector, it is best to simply ask for the checkpoint security supervisor (CSS) to help resolve the problem, trying to do so discreetly.    

Remember that the x-ray scanner machine cannot tell what the metal is in your carry-on case as it normally shows on the scanner as a large blob.  Numerous times I have had security personnel yell out “I need to have someone for a private check of valuables”!  Or they may even proceed to spread out your coins in full view of the public at the airport.  What your destination city is can be easily obtained by a potential thief, and phoned ahead to his/her accomplices, who will be happy to meet you when you arrive.  

Most likely you will be accompanied to a small room or a screened area so the contents of your bag can be inspected.   It is most important that you handle your coins to, in and from the private search area.  Never let screening personnel transport or handle your numismatic materials.  Keep focused on what you remove for inspection to insure that the same is returned to your case and not left out as you exit the private screening area.   

Following your private search, while still in the private search location, lock your case, and leave it locked till you arrive at a secure destination.  It amazes me how people feel that once they have passed through the airport security checkpoint that somehow they are now safe as thieves have also been detected by some new form of x-ray that has prevented their entry.  And do not think that just because you paid that extra fee to relax in a frequent flyer lounge you are safer.  Ask yourself “If I were a thief, where would the most valuable attaches and carry on luggage be?”  Yes, in the Crown, Red Carpet or Ambassador lounge rooms.    Even if you feel the urge to open your bag and review a recent purchase that made your convention so worthwhile, leave it locked till you arrive at a secure location.  Should you fail to follow this procedure, you have the potential of bring attention to yourself, that people in the airport will know you have something of extreme value in your case, putting not only your valuables at risk, but also you and your travel companion. 

Conservative appearance and actions are a must.  Avoid bringing attention to yourself and your mission.  This is not the time to get into an argument over trivial matters or delays.  A passenger, who is in some sort of “Air Rage” and calls attention to themselves by rudeness, poor manners or lack of civility, is someone to be avoided.  Move through the airport being as discreet as possible.  Communicate a sense of self-confidence and purpose, head erect and vigilant.  

When I first entered the military service, we use to attach a case by handcuff to the courier carrying classified materials or valuables.  Finally some smart mid-level Pentagon bureaucrat realized that if there were ever a bandit or a spy who wanted what we were carrying, they would certainly know who it was that had the “goodies” by looking for the guy with the briefcase handcuffed to his wrist.  Not exactly what I would call low-profile travel.  Now days, most classified is wrapped in a special paper package and mailed by registered USPS mail.   

External Security: 

First class travel many be a luxury for most, but if your inventory warrants it, consider paying the extra fare.  The pre-boarding, seat selection, and additional space I feel make the trip slightly safer.  You should at least check with the gate agent to see if an upgrade is possible for a few frequent flyer miles or a few dollars.  The bad news is that those free drinks they serve in first class you will need to avoid. Do not consume alcohol when transporting, carrying or traveling with coins.  Avoid it completely.  A bandit needs only a tiny edge to gain an advantage.  Don’t hand them one in a crystal goblet. 

When waiting for flights do not sit in a waiting area reading coin magazines or discussing coins.   Never fall asleep in or at any public transportation location.  Do not travel with expensive luggage, as the bags themselves, even empty, are targets for thieves as they bring strong money on the black market.  It may not be fair, or even politically correct, but the older and more out of shape you are, the more likely you’re being picked as a potential target.  Make it a habit to keep either a hand or foot on your case at all times.  That way you at least will not simply walk off and leave your case as numerous dealers have told me has happened.  

A cell phone may have become a necessity to some, however, I recommend that you keep it turned off while transporting valuables, as they have become an unnecessary detraction from your primary mission, arriving intact, without loss of life or property.  An individual, walking, talking, dialing numbers presents an easy target to thieves.  Ask yourself, “Is it really necessary that I risk losing my collection so I can let someone at home know what I had for lunch?”   When carrying valuables, it is best to use your cell phone only when it is safe to do so, or in the event of an emergency. 

If at all possible, use a restroom, prior to boarding the plane, and immediately upon your arrival.  Choose a larger end wall or a handicap stall that will allow a little more room for you and your coin case.  Keep the case next to you, away from the door and away from the stall next to you.  Cases have been stolen from underneath the door, many times.  If you do hang your coat on the back of the closed door, be sure that if a thief reaches over and grabs it, you can live without it, and its contents. 

Internal Security: 

At all times, keep your coins with you, and never leave them unattended. 

Check what type of aircraft you will be traveling before your time of departure.  Many small commuter aircraft may require you to gate check your carry-on bag or case.  Larger aircraft may allow two carry-on bags, but may count your luggage wheels as a carry-on item.  I know of numerous dealers who were required to rebook on a different flight and routed through another city because of luggage restrictions.   

Plan to arrive at the boarding gate early so you will have ample time for seat selection, giving you a better chance to stow your valuable carry-on in the most secure area available.  If your case is heavy, it may seem easier booking a seat towards the front, but one to the rear allows you to board the aircraft first, as most flights board from the rear to the front.  However, if you do get a seat towards the rear of the aircraft, do not place your coins in an overhead far in front from where you are sitting.  When the plane lands, a thief can simply leave with your case, while you are in the rear waiting for the usual herd of passengers, who pile into the aisle, only to crowd the other jam of humanity, waiting to exit to your front.  If possible, try to book an aisle seat, placing your case either under the seat in front of you, or in the overhead storage compartment across the aisle from your seat, so you can view it.  Do not book “bulkhead” seats, as there is no storage under the seat in front of you.  If you are saddled with two bags, place the lighter of the two in the overhead across the aisle from your seat and the heavier one beneath the seat to your front.  If you are traveling alone, try to remain in your seat for the duration of the flight, with your coins in a locked case beneath the seat in front of you.  

Don’t open your case during flight unless necessary.  If you must open your bag, pack it so that any coins are not in view when it is opened.   Be aware of your surroundings and your fellow travelers.  If you must use the restroom, be sure your case is locked prior to leaving your seat.  I travel with a small cable lock so on longer or overseas flights.  If I must leave my seat, I discreetly attach my case to the floor seat post in front of me with the lock.  I have also modified the handles of my case so they are difficult to remove without a “Snap-on Tool Chest” at the thief’s disposal.  

Never assume that once you get on the plane you have left the bandits behind.  One Midwest dealer realized his valuables case had been stolen from an out-of-view overhead before the aircraft had even taken off.  Needless to say, the flight crew was adamant that no one had left the plane and that they had no desire to hold up the flight, nor incur the possible liability of searching the planes passengers.  The case was never recovered.  

After the tragedies of September 11^th, the former guidelines for dealing with terrorists have changed.  Since you are sitting in an isle seat, with a case under the seat in front of you, loaded with heavy objects you may be in a better position than most passengers to subdue a would be hijacker.  Since everything has been screened and the likelihood of guns or bombs being on board is slim, you will have an excellent chance to prevent a potential catastrophe.  If the hijacker is armed with a small knife being wood or plastic or anything else, throw anything and everything at him/her and rush them with blankets or pillows for protection.  Place the blankets over them and wrestle them down.  If your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device with loops to place you arms in, then why not use it as a body shield?   If you were lucky enough to have a roll of coins in your case, they would make an ordinary fist feel like a set of brass knuckles.  And can you imagine what twenty $20 Saint Gaudens Gold coins in your sock would do when used as a swinging mace?  One thing is for sure, the pilots do not plan to open the door in such an occasion, and so if you are not fortunate to have an undercover FAA Sky-Marshall on your flight, your survival is pretty much up to you. 

Make every effort to be at the luggage carousel when you bag first arrives.  Thieves watch for bags that make three or four circles on the carousel before snatching it.   

Taxi Cabs & Airport Shuttles:

Keep your valuable case in the cab or shuttle with you at your seat.  Do not put the case in a rear compartment or trunk as I have observed many professional numismatists doing.  Most cabs do not have locking trunks, or the cabbies simply leave the trunk key in the lock.  This makes the cabby’s life easy but also easy for a bandit as items can be easily removed at stops.  While you are traveling in a shuttle, another passenger could remove your coins unintentionally or intentionally.  A classic case study is a dealer friend who told me that he had placed a briefcase of valuables in a cab first, and then as he stood on the curb, watched the cab speed off.  Fortunately, he was a former college football player and was able to chase the vehicle nine blocks in New York City traffic, catch up to the cab, and discuss the problem physically with the cabby.  He later told me that he was afraid of being sued or reported to police by the cabby, so he ended up hiring the hack to take him to his destination…then tipped him.  

Most robberies occur in parking lots, alleys, parks, public transportation centers, financial institutions and retail stores with jewelry or coins.  If you are involved in a robbery, statistics report that two-thirds of the criminals will be armed with some sort of weapon.  If the robber only wants your money or coins, by all means let the robber or mugger have it.  Do not resist, do not scream, but cooperate with the robber.  Assume the weapon is real and will be used on you if you do not cooperate.  Try instead to get as detailed a description of your assailant as possible.  It is difficult to focus during a theft, but make a concentrated effort to note the height, weight, complexion, hairstyle and color, distinguishing features, clothes, shoes, number persons involved and any weapons that you observe, car color, make and model and the big one, the license or tag number.  The more complete description you can give the investigator, the better.  However, as I have previously written, if you are involved in a hijacking, or carjacking, then your best defense may be  an aggressive offensive. 

Always carry a small wad of “throw down” small cash with a $20 bill on top.  Have it available to give to a possible robber or mugger.  If accosted, you will have something to give up.  A twenty and a few other smaller bills may satisfy most robbers, especially if they are supporting a drug habit.  Report the incident to police as soon as possible.  If there is a chance of apprehension of the perpetrator, it usually is within the first 30 minutes.  

Firearms 

If your decision were to carry a weapon of any kind, it should never be taken with you onboard an aircraft.  It is a federal offense to carry a weapon aboard an aircraft, or carrying an undeclared weapon inside of checked baggage.  The fines and penalties are very stiff.  Should you elect to travel with a weapon, it must be declared at check in, in a hard, locked case as one of your checked bags.  Federal law no longer requires you to place an external bright orange tag, identifying your luggage as containing a firearm.  With the lost luggage problem and theft, most have realized it was a risky requirement.  Now, the required procedure is that the hardened weapon container must be unlocked and the weapon unloaded, clear and on safe.  The ticket agent will then have you sign and date a tag that states; “I declare, as required by Federal Air Regulation 108.11, that the firearm (s) being checked as baggage is (are) unloaded.” This tag will then be placed inside the hard container, and then you will be required to lock the container in front of the ticket agent.  After this the locked weapon case will be checked as any other baggage, which you can retrieve at your destination on the luggage carrousel.  You are also allowed to place the locked hard container inside another less conspicuous piece of luggage to be checked.  

Airlines have conflicting requirements as to travel with ammunition.  My advice is to be sure to check thoroughly with the airline to see if it is worth it.  If they prohibit you taking ammunition in your checked luggage, it would require you to travel to a gun store, and purchase ammunition for your weapon during your stay.  Then you would be required to dispose of the ammunition before your return flight home.  Knowing that the odds are far more likely having your bag stolen while hanging your body over an airline ticket counter, oblivious to your valuable case, than being held up by a robber, it makes traveling with a weapon questionable at best.   

In addition you must be familiar with the local and state firearm laws of the area you will be arriving.  As of this writing, 33 states will issue a “right to carry” firearm permit.  In addition, the state of Ohio also has a bill pending for a citizen to have a right to carry a weapon.  Some states have reciprocity with other states in recognizing that states concealed carry permit.  Some states do not.  Well meaning politicians have passed over 20,000 gun laws in the United States that have little, if any effect on the perpetrators of violent crime, but enormous ramifications on the average honest law abiding citizen who wishes to defend themselves.  My advice is unless you know and can abide by the laws in your own state, and the laws of the city and state of your destination, do not plan on transporting a weapon in your checked luggage.   

Another consideration in transporting a firearm is that some numismatic conventions have written into their contract that dealers are prohibited from taking a firearm on the bourse.  However, I am not aware of the public attending a convention from ever being advised that firearms are prohibited.  In light of some recent legal cases involving a facility or an organization being held liable for assuming the responsibility for the safety of the attendees by prohibiting a legally licensed person the right to protect themselves, in the future, most organizations will most likely have the clause removed from future contracts.   

Your thoughts and ideas are always welcomed.  Address them to: Colonel Steven Ellsworth, c/o BUTTERNUT, Post Office Box 498, Clifton, VIRGINIA 20124 -0498 Phone: 703.802-0252        

E-mail: butternut@butternut.com. 

Web site: www.Butternut.org.